ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
PM’s Opening Remarks at Video Conference of SAARC Leaders on combating COVID-19
Excellencies,
I would like to thank you all for joining this special interaction at short notice.
I specially thank our friend Prime Minister Oli who has joined us almost immediately after his recent surgery. I wish him a speedy recovery. I would also like to congratulate President Ashraf Ghani for his recent re-election.
I welcome the new Secretary-General of SAARC, who is also with us today. I also acknowledge the presence of the Director of the SAARC Disaster Management Centre, from Gandhinagar.
Excellencies,
As we all know, COVID-19 has recently been classified by W.H.O. as a pandemic.
So far, our region has listed fewer than 150 cases. But we need to remain vigilant.Our SAARC region is home to nearly one-fifth of all humanity. It is densely populated.As developing countries, all of us have significant challenges in terms of access to healthcare facilities. Our people-to-people ties are ancient, and our societies are deeply inter-connected.Therefore, we must all prepare together, we must all act together, and we must all succeed together.
Excellencies,
As we prepare to face this challenge, let me briefly share India’s experience of combating the spread of this virus so far.
“Prepare, but don’t panic” has been our guiding mantra.We were careful to not underestimate the problem, but also to avoid knee-jerk reactions. We have tried to take proactive steps, including a graded response mechanism. We started screening entry into India from mid-January itself, while also gradually increasing restrictions on travel. The step-by-step approach has helped avoid panic.We have increased our public awareness campaigns on TV, print and social media.
We have made special efforts to reach out to vulnerable groups.We have worked to quickly ramp up capacity in our system including through training our medical staff across the country.We have also increased diagnostic capabilities. Within two months, we moved from one major facility for pan-India testing, to more than 60 such labs.
And, we have developed protocols for each stage of managing this pandemic : for screening at entry points; contact tracing of suspected cases; quarantineand management of isolation facilities; and for discharge of cleared cases.
We also responded to the call of our people abroad. We evacuated nearly 1400 Indians from different countries. We also similarly helped some of your citizens, in accordance with our ‘neighbourhood first policy’.
We have now built up a protocol for such evacuations, including carrying out testing by our mobile teams deployed abroad.
We recognised that other countries would be also concerned about their citizens in India. So we briefed foreign Ambassadors about the steps we were taking.
Excellencies,
We fully recognize that we are still in an unknown situation. We can not predict with certainty how the situation will unfold despite our best efforts. You must also be facing similar concerns. This is why it would be most valuable for all of us to share our perspectives.
I look forward to hearing your views.
Thank you.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
APEDA Organizes Buyers - Sellers Meet in Manipur
Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority in association with North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation  organised the second Conference cum International Buyers-Sellers Meet in Imphal, Manipur on 19th June 2019.
The Conference cum International Buyers Sellers Meet was inaugurated by Anup Wadhawan, Commerce Secretary, Government of India. Paban Kumar Borthakur, Chairman APEDA, J.C. Ramthanga, Principal Secretary, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur and other senior officers and delegates from India and abroad were present on this occasion.
Chairman APEDA in his welcome address said that India’s total agricultural product exports is valued at 38 billion USD for the financial year 2017-18, out of which 50% is contributed through APEDA’s products. He also informed that APEDA has been organising international buyers-sellers meet for different products in different parts of the country.
Commerce Secretary in his inaugural speech congratulated the organisers for arranging a programme of this scale. He further said that the North East Region  is diverse and has huge potential that can be capitalised considering its agricultural and horticultural produce, strategic location, neighbouring the South East Asian countries, and can offer big opportunities for trade and economic activity to the farmers of the region and help double their income.
This conference in Imphal provided a platform for B2B and B2G meetings with international buyers, exporters and progressive farmers / growers to explore opportunities and prospects from the North East Region particularly from Manipur.
20 international buyers from South East Asia, Gulf countries and neighbouring countries participated in this event and interacted with Indian exporters. Apart from the importers and exporters, progressive farmers / growers groups from NER also participated in the event and interacted with the exporters to find out prospects and requirements of buyer countries. Exporters and growers showcased products of the North East like pineapple, black rice, organic products, fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices.
APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, promotes export of agricultural and processed food products from India. In its endeavour to promote export of agricultural products from NER, APEDA has been organising various buyers- sellers meets to facilitate market linkages of the exporters with international buyers. The first international buyers – sellers meet for NER was organized by APEDA in Guwahati in March this year.
APEDA is conducting regular promotional activities in the area of agriculture exports. It provides support to exporters to set up infrastructure like pack houses and cold storages. APEDA also helps exporters to exhibit their products in several national and international expos and exhibitions. The Imphal event of international buyers - sellers meet is part of the initiative of APEDA to bring the North-Eastern states of India on the export map of the country.
Department of Space
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said, North Eastern Space Applications Centre , Shillong, will execute 110 projects in Eight North Eastern States by 2024
Projects are in the domains of Agriculture, Water Resources, Forestry & Ecology, Planning & Development, UAV Remote Sensing and Disaster Management Support, with joint funding from MoDONER, DoS and State Governments.
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, North Eastern Space Applications Centre , Shillong will execute 110 projects in Eight North Eastern States by 2024.
In a statement laid on the table of the Rajya Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, NESAC has coordinated preparation of Plan of Actions  by the Nodal Departments of the eight States. These projects are in the domains of Agriculture, Water Resources, Forestry & Ecology, Planning & Development, UAV Remote Sensing and Disaster Management Support, with joint funding from MoDONER, DoS and State Governments.
NESAC has developed and achieved following major milestones for the North Eastern Region including:
-
- Implementation of North Eastern Spatial Data Repository 
- Identification of potential areas for development of sericulture & horticulture,
- Remote Sensing based forest working plans & river atlas,
- Geospatial system for monitoring MoDONER sponsored projects & survey of Record of Forest Rights ,
- Flood Early Warning System  for Assam, and
- Training & capacity building, including for professionals from BIMSTEC region
- Satellite imaging-based inputs to support settling of border disputes between North Eastern States undertaken as per suggestion of MHA.
North Eastern Space Applications Centre , Shillong: Established in 2000, jointly with North Eastern Council , NESAC is as an autonomous institution under Dept. of Space  to provide space technology inputs and services for the development of the North Eastern Region. NESAC is engaged in executing remote sensing application projects for natural resources management & infrastructure development, satellite communication-based applications in education; health & disaster management support, and training & capacity building in space technology & applications
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Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways launches ‘pilot project’ for e-Auction of Commercial Earning and Non-Fare Revenue contracts
Indian Railways has launched a ‘pilot project’ for e-Auction of Commercial Earning and Non-Fare Revenue contracts, on eleven Divisions over nine Zonal Railways.
The major features of e-Auction pilot project are as under:
· For the contracts for leasing of parcel space, parking lots, and commercial publicity
· Quick finalization of contract, and quick re-award in case failure of any contract
· No geographical restriction on bidders/ applicants for registration and participation in any e-Auction throughout Indian Railways
· Relaxed eligibility criteria
· E-Auction  only through IREPS
· Auction catalogues to be published minimum 12 days prior to the day of auction
· To ensure ease-of-doing-business
The following Divisions have been short-listed to participate in the pilot project:
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|
S.No.
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Divisions
|
|
Contact no. of Sr. DCMs
|
|
1
|
|
Ahmedabad Division 
|
|
9724093950
|
|
2
|
|
Asansol Division 
|
|
9002023950
|
|
3
|
|
Bengaluru Division 
|
|
9731666950
|
|
4
|
|
Chakradharpur Division 
|
|
9771482950
|
|
5
|
|
Chennai Division 
|
|
9003061951
|
|
6
|
|
Delhi Division 
|
|
9717631950, 9717631951
|
|
7
|
|
Lucknow Division 
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|
9794833950, 97948 33951
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|
8
|
|
Lucknow Division 
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|
9794842950
|
|
9
|
|
Mumbai Division 
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|
8828119950
|
|
10
|
|
Secunderabad Division 
|
|
9701371950
|
|
11
|
|
Varanasi Division 
|
|
9794843950
Interested parties may visit IREPS website  for further information and Division-wise dates of e-auctions. In case of any problems in participation in the e-Auctions, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager  of the concerned Division may be contacted.
For any assistance in online registration, ‘IREPS Helpdesk’ may be approached at www.ireps.gov.in.
Ministry of Finance
Signing of agreements with KFW, Germany for energy reform programme, Madhya Pradesh
The Government of India and the German Development Bank – KFW  today signed agreements for Euro 140 million reduced interest loan and Euro 2 million grant for Energy Reform Programme, Madhya Pradesh.
Shri Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, signed the agreements on behalf of Government of India and Dr. Juergen Welschof, Head of Division, Energy, South Asia signed for KFW.
The project comprises of 2 components namely, implementation of smart meters & Advanced Metering Infrastructure ; and, separation of agriculture & non-agriculture feeders.
The Project will contribute to a more stable, secure and climate and environmentally friendly energy supply in India by upgrading and strengthening distribution networks in Madhya Pradesh. It will contribute to an effective, technically and economically efficient as well as socially and ecologically sustainable energy supply.
Ministry of Finance
Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to launch Department of Economic Affairs Iconic Day celebrations in New Delhi tomorrow
Finance Minister to launch ‘NETRA ’ Portal and Mobile Application for Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme 
Release of a short film ‘Sahyog se Samriddhi’ on Externally Aided Projects
NSDL’s outreach initiative ‘Market Ka Eklavya – Express’ to be screened
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will launch the Iconic Day celebrations of the Department of Economic Affairs at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi tomorrow as a milestone in the grand festivities of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav . The occasion will see participation from key dignitariesand prominent leaders from the world of finance.
Carrying forward the time-honoured tradition of discourse and exchange of ideas, the morning session will witness discussions on ‘Emergence of women investors in securities market’ and ‘Growth of Indian retail investors’ during the symposium on ‘Jaagruk Niveshak: Samridha Bharat ki Neev’ organised by SEBI in collaboration with Department of Economic Affairs. The idea of an enlightened investor empowered to make informed financial choices will be central to the discussion. The symposium will also explore the exciting possibilities presented by the encouraging trend of increasing participation of women in financial markets.
NSDL’s outreach initiative ‘Market Ka Eklavya – Express’, a programme specially designed to introduce students to the basics of investing and financial markets will be screened during the event. ‘Market Ka Eklavya – Express’ lays the foundation of the twin pillars of Financial Independence, namely, Financial Awareness and Financial Discipline in a simple language using relatable examples from everyday life to explain complex concepts. As a part of the AKAM celebrations, NSDL has recently launched the programme in 8 languages to reach 75 cities to commemorate 75 years of independence.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will also release a short film ‘Sahyog se Samriddhi’ on Externally Aided Projects during the Iconic Week celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The film will showcase the role of Externally Aided Projects in India’s development trajectory since 1947, with a special emphasis on India's engagement with multilateral and bilateral agencies in last 8 years.
During the AKAM celebrations, the Finance Minister will launch ‘NETRA ’ Portal and Mobile Application for Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme .
Ministry of Railways
Railways records more than 10% increase in Freight loading as compared to normal year of 2019-20
Previous best April was 101.04 MT in April 2019
8th consecutive month of breaking previous loading records inspite of Covid related challenges
In the month of April 2021, Indian Railways loading was 111.47 million tonnes
In this period Indian Railways earned Rs. 11163.93 crores from freight loading
Freight figures continue to maintain the high momentum in terms of earnings and loading in the month of April 2021 for Indian Railways.
Railways recorded more than 10% increase in Freight loading as compared to normal year of 2019-20. Previous best April was 101.04 MT in April 2019.
On mission mode, Indian Railways' Freight loading for the month of April 2021 was 111.47 million tonnes which includes 51.87 million tonnes of Coal, 14.83 million tonnes of Iron Ore, 3.47 million tonnes of Foodgrains, 2.53 million tonnes of Fertilizers, 3.58 million tonnes of Mineral Oil, 7.1 million tonnes of Cement  and 4.88 million tonnes of Clinker.
In the month of April 2021, Indian Railways earned Rs. 11163.93 crores from freight loading.
It is worth mentioning that a number of concessions/ discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make Railways Freight movement very attractive.
It may be noted that improvements in freight movements will be institutionalized and incorporated in the upcoming zero based time table.
Covid 19 has been used by Indian Railways an opportunity to improve all round efficiencies and performances.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
During COVID-19 lockdown Janaushadhi Kendras achieved a record sales turnover of 52 crore rupees in April 2020
In spite of problems in procurement & logistics due to COVID-19 lockdown, Pradhanmantri Bhartiya Jan aushadhi Kendras –PMBJAK ,achieved a record sales turnover of 52 crore rupees in the month of April 2020 compared to 42 crore rupees in March 2020. It was 17 crore in April 2019
As the entire country is facing a big challenge due to COVID-19 Pandemic, demand for medicines and medical equipment are very high and to cater this demand Jan aushadhi Kendras delivered a record Rs. 52 crore worth of affordable and quality medicines to the public during April 2020. This led to total savings of approximately 300 crore rupees of common citizens as Jan aushdhi Kendra's medicines are cheaper by 50 to 90 percent of the average market price.
Union minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, Shri DV Sadananda Gowda and MoS Chemicals & Fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya has congratulated the Janaushadhi store operators for achieving a record sales turnover and for working nonstop, tirelessly in the odd circumstances when the country needed it most.
Shri Gowda has ensured that his ministry through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan aushadhi Pariyojana  is committed to ensure uninterrupted availability of affordable medicines to people of the country.
In its Fight against COVID-19 Government of India is revolutionizing the face of healthcare system through notable schemes like PMBJP that have been providing over 900 quality generic-medecines and 154 surgical equipments & consumable at affordable prices for every citizen of the nation.
Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India  CEO Sachin Kumar Singh has said BPPL developed ‘Jan aushadhi Sugam Mobile App’ to help people in a big way to locate their nearest Jan aushadhi Kendras and availability of affordable generic medicine with its price. Over 325000 people are using this App. They can avail a host of user-friendly options like direction guided through Google Map for location of the Janaushadhi kendra, search Jan aushadhi generic medicines, analyze product comparison of Generic and Branded medicine in form of MRP & overall Savings, etc. wth the help of this App.This App is available on both Android & I-phone platforms
Presently , more than 6300 PMJAKs are functioning across the nation covering 726 districts of the country. In the lockdown period PMBJP is also generating awareness through informational posts on their social media platforms to help people protect themselves from Coronavirus.
Ministry of Finance
CGST Mumbai West Zone busts tax fraud on bogus bills of around Rs. 60 Crore
Mumbai : 12 May, 2022
CGST Commissionerate, Mumbai West Zone have busted a fake GST Input Tax Credit  racket and arrested the proprietor of a Versova based company.
Acting on a tip off received from Central Intelligence Unit of CGST Mumbai Zone, an investigation was initiated against M/s NECIL Metal Dealers Pvt Ltd, which deals in trading of ferrous metal and scrap.
The company was involved in fraudulent availment and passing of GST Input Tax Credit  of Rs 10.01 Crore without receiving or supply of goods, in gross violation of the provisions of CGST Act, 2017. Bogus bills of around Rs. 60 Crore were issued for this tax fraud. One of the director of this company was arrested in January 2022 but another director was absconding. He was traced on 11.05.22 and his statement was recorded wherein he admitted his role in tax fraud.
He was arrested under Section 69 of CGST Act, 2017 for contravention of Section 132 of CGST Act, 2017 and produced before the Hon’ble Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Esplanade on 11.05.2022. The Magistrate has remanded him to 14 days judicial custody. Further investigation is under progress.
This case is a part of special drive initiated by CGST Mumbai Zone to stamp out fake ITC networks and tax evaders. As a part of this drive Mumbai West Commissionerate has unearthed fake ITC amounting to Rs.465 Crore, recovered Rs. 35 Crore and arrested five tax evaders, during last six months.
The CGST officers are using data analysis and network analysis tools to identify potential fraudsters. Department is going to intensify the drive against tax evaders in this financial year.
Source: CGST Commisionerate
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Increase in Institutional Deliveries Under Janani Suraksha Yojana 
Institutional deliveries reported by the States/UTs during the period from April to December, 2019 is 1.54 Crore in comparison to 1.33 Crore for the corresponding period for the current year i.e. from April to December, 2020 as reported in Health Management Information System .
Keeping in view the importance of institutional deliveries, several initiatives have been taken by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare so as to ensure smooth provisioning of health services by the States / UTs including maternal health, child health, immunization, etc. Regular monitoring and video conferences were held with the States/UTs highlighting the necessity of continued services during COVID times.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare also shared ‘Guidance Note on Provision of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition  Services during & post COVID-19 Pandemic’ and ‘Enabling Delivery of Essential Health Services during COVID-19 Outbreak’ on 14th April, 2020 and 24th May 2020 respectively.
State/UT-wise details of Janani Suraksha Yojana  beneficiaries
|
|
Sl.
No
|
|
States/UTs
|
|
2018-19
|
|
2019-20
|
|
1
|
|
A & N Islands
|
|
251
|
|
328
|
|
2
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
272912
|
|
258726
|
|
3
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
13706
|
|
15774
|
|
4
|
|
Assam
|
|
322351
|
|
357557
|
|
5
|
|
Bihar
|
|
1392290
|
|
1406634
|
|
6
|
|
Chandigarh
|
|
610
|
|
572
|
|
7
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
334120
|
|
339315
|
|
|
|
D & N Haveli
|
|
1715
|
|
1816
|
|
|
|
Daman & Diu
|
|
91
|
|
105
|
|
8
|
|
D & N Haveli and Daman & Diu
|
|
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
Delhi
|
|
10596
|
|
9556
|
|
10
|
|
Goa
|
|
495
|
|
417
|
|
11
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
239562
|
|
227350
|
|
12
|
|
Haryana
|
|
31409
|
|
37134
|
|
13
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
14435
|
|
15364
|
|
14
|
|
Jammu & Kashmir
|
|
136364
|
|
120484
|
|
15
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
421794
|
|
389749
|
|
16
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
325197
|
|
498557
|
|
17
|
|
Kerala
|
|
108019
|
|
89637
|
|
18
|
|
Ladakh
|
|
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
Lakshadweep
|
|
982
|
|
1286
|
|
20
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
992039
|
|
1069712
|
|
21
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
303518
|
|
381708
|
|
22
|
|
Manipur
|
|
14303
|
|
5427
|
|
23
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
19515
|
|
22712
|
|
24
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
12781
|
|
11145
|
|
25
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
12139
|
|
9980
|
|
26
|
|
Odisha
|
|
475867
|
|
465341
|
|
27
|
|
Puducherry
|
|
2874
|
|
2592
|
|
28
|
|
Punjab
|
|
70716
|
|
69479
|
|
29
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
1031468
|
|
967793
|
|
30
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
2435
|
|
3102
|
|
31
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
419734
|
|
421182
|
|
32
|
|
Telangana
|
|
260405
|
|
270883
|
|
33
|
|
Tripura
|
|
15741
|
|
12545
|
|
34
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
2069740
|
|
2585170
|
|
35
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
79543
|
|
78574
|
|
36
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
631140
|
|
587497
|
|
NATIONAL
|
|
10040857
|
|
10735203
Note: DATA as reported by States/UTs.
The Minister of State , Sh. Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.